Hispanic and Native American scientists call for increased diversity in STEM at National SACNAS Conference

Santa Cruz, Calif. — More than 3,000 Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists will come to the National Harbor for one of the largest and most diverse gatherings of STEM professionals across the country next month, October 29-31.  Hosted by SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science, https://sacnas.org), over 3,000 students and science professionals of color will convene for a three-day conference of cutting-edge science, mentoring, networking, and professional development.

This year’s conference will be keynoted by top tier White House advisors, current and former public officials, and business leaders including:

•  U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz;
• Monica Basco, Assistant Director for Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Broadening Participation at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy;
• U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell;
• Jon R. Lorsch, Director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences;
• Clifton Poodry, Senior Fellow of Science Education at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Details on other keynote panels on “Women in STEM” and “Insights to Success” (specifically geared towards Hispanic and Native American STEM students) as well as information on featured speakers is available here. 

“Lack of diversity in STEM fields is detrimental to the success and competitiveness of our nation as a whole,” said SACNAS Executive Director Antonia Franco. “This year’s conference at the National Harbor brings a diverse group of STEM leaders to the nation’s capital where we hope politicians from both sides of the aisle will recognize the need to make diversity in STEM a top priority. Our leaders have a fundamental responsibility to ensure  the makeup of the STEM field is reflective of America’s growing diversity, especially amongst U.S. Hispanics and Native Americans, who are so often underrepresented.”